Which guideline for teaching should the nurse implement when working with a low-literacy patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Educationally disadvantaged or functionally illiterate people are interested in learning, but nurses need to adapt teaching situations to accommodate literacy learning differences. Marks (2009) suggests having written materials modified to six- to eighth-grade reading levels and providing lists of key instructions for use after visits. Using symbols and images with which the patient is familiar helps overcome the barriers of low literacy. Taking the time to understand the patient's use of words and phrases provides the nurse with concrete words and ideas that can be used as building blocks in helping the patient understand difficult health-related concepts. Otherwise, the patient may misunderstand what the nurse is saying. It is also important to check with the patient about the environmental infrastructure needed to implement self-management strategies. Don't assume that the patient understands the implications of a clinical recommendation.

Which Guideline for Teaching Should the Nurse Implement When Working